“Are you sure you’re a woman? You look more like an artichoke.”

This is a classic Federico Fellini film from 1954 starring Giulietta Masina, Anthony Quinn, and Richard Basehart. It was my first Fellini film (although I’ve seen pieces of La Dolce Vita) and I loved it. I found it to be deceptively simple in its storytelling until a certain tragic event happens toward the latter part of the film. Once this event occurs, the tone becomes progressively darker and sadder.

Masina really owns the movie and is both adorable and heartbreaking. She was so unique. I know I’ll be seeking out more of her work in the future. Quinn gives a good performance playing a rather horrid character. His final scene at the end of the film is very moving, to say the least.

Also worth mentioning is the film’s famous music. The melody that plays throughout the film (and is played by Masina on her trumpet) is haunting, melancholy, and beautiful at the same time. Just like the film itself.

It’s a touching, special film deserving of its place among the pantheon of truly great works. Highly recommended.

Scorcese in the Criterion Intro, on Fellini and the circus: “He loved the circus. He loved the circus. I, I don’t like the circus. (Nervously) I have, I have problems with it. But he (giggles) he really loved the circus. And he’s the only one I can watch. The only films I can watch, a circus seen through his eyes. You know.”